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February 3, 2013
Encinal PTO / La Organizasión de Padres y Maestro
Boletin en espanol, haga clic aqui
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Week at a Glance
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Important Dates
- Feb 1 - Kindergarten Priority Registration begins
- Feb 6 - New Kinder Orientation, 6:30pm, Large Multi
- Feb 12 - 4th & 5th Grade Advisory Walk Through, 12:30-3pm
- Feb 13 - 5th Grade Outdoor Ed Parent Info Night, 6pm, Library
- Feb 14 - Appreciating Our Differences Assembly, Large Multi
- Feb 14 - School Spirit Day - wear Red or Pink
- Feb 15-18 - President's Day Weekend, No School
- Feb 19 - District Enrollment Strategy Meeting, 8:45am, Large Multi
- Feb 21 - Cultural Arts Day, Volunteers Needed
- Feb 28 - End of MPAEF Participation Challenge
- Mar 3 - MPCSD Parent Ed Conference, 2-5:30pm
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IMPORTANT DECISION ON INCREASING ENROLLMENT - THE DISTRICT WANTS YOUR INPUT
See below for meeting dates and times
Our community continues to experience increased student enrollment, and the District is now in the process of identifying options to ensure that we have enough classrooms to meet our enrollment projections for the next 10 years.
The District invites parents to learn more, and give input on potential options:
- How could we accommodate additional students on existing campuses (e.g. add more classrooms, increase class sizes)?
- Should we use the District-owned O'Connor site, currently rented to the German American International School, to add more capacity? If so, what are the options and how would they affect the enrollment, attendance boundaries and grade level configurations of our existing schools?
- Are there other solutions that should be considered?
Please come engage with Superintendent Maurice Ghysels, Board members and District staff at one of the following community meetings:
Thursday, February 7: Laurel multipurpose room, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. Thursday, February 7: Hillview, PAC, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 12: District Office, Board Room, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 13: Oak Knoll, Multi-Use Room, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m.
Tuesday, February 19: Encinal, Mult-Use Room, 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
If you are unable to attend one of these meetings, please feel free to email your thoughts to our Superintendent Maurice Ghysels at mghysels@mpcsd.org or to MPCSD's Board at board@mpcsd.org .
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 4th & 5th Grade Advisory Walk Through Tuesday, Feb 12, 12:30-3pm
Parents are welcome to join students in the small multi on Tuesday, February 12th from 12:30 - 3pm for the Advisory Walk Through. Come see the variety of ending projects that the kids have created! Please check with your classroom teacher to see what your time slot is, or just walk on through!
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Appreciating Our Differences Assembly
Thursday, February 14, Large Multi
For this year's Appreciating Our Differences school-wide assembly, Encinal is thrilled to welcome, for the first time, AXIS Dance Company on Thursday, February 14th. The assembly will be in the large multi and parents are welcome to attend at their students' scheduled time.
K-2: 9:00-10:00 am 3-5: 10:45-11:45 am AXIS Dance Company's mission is to create and perform contemporary dance developed through the collaboration of dancers with and without disabilities. As one of the country's most acclaimed and innovative physically integrated ensembles, they challenge how we think about the possibilities of the human body. Should you like to see a sneak preview - click here to view their education demo.
Please email Kerry Barlas, Appreciating Our Differences Coordinator, with any questions.
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Thurs Feb 14th is School Spirit Day - Wear Red or Pink
Thursday Feb. 14th is the next Spirit Day sponsored by the Leadership Advisory. We encourage everyone to wear Red or Pink. The 5th graders will also be having a dance during lunch in the small multi. |
Looking for Chinese Artifacts and Museum Volunteers for Cultural Arts Day (Thurs Feb 21)
Ni hao!
We need Chinese artifacts to fill our museum for Cultural Arts Day this year! If you have something you are willing to lend us to put on display (you will get it back), please let us know! We also desperately need volunteers to help organize the museum, check in items and set up the small multi for the children to walk through.
Xie-xie!
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Registration for Kindergarten, Spanish Immersion, & Transitional Kindergarten
Registration for 2013-14 Begins February 1st
During the month of February, parents can enroll their children for next Fall for Kindergarten, Spanish Immersion, and Transitional Kindergarten. Click here for an overview and further links to details.
Kindergarten Registration:
A child is eligible for kindergarten in 2013-14 if his or her fifth birthday falls on or before October 1. Priority Registration is from February 1 - 28, 2013. A link to the online registration site will be posted on Feb. 1 on the district website, click here.
Spanish Immersion Parent Information Meeting: Come learn about the program by attending one of the mandatory parent information meeting on either Wednesday, February 6, from 8:45 am to 9:45 am or Tuesday, February 26, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the District Office, Board Room (next to Encinal School), 181 Encinal Ave., Atherton. Acceptance into the Immersion program will be determined by lottery.
Transitional Kindergarten Parent Information Session Come learn about the program by attending the parent information meeting on March 14, 2013 from 4pm to 5pm at the TERC (next to District Office), at 181 Encinal Ave., Atherton. A child is eligible for the transitional kindergarten program if his or her fifth birthday is: 2013-14 school year - October 2 through December 2.
Kinder Orientation Parents whose children will begin kindergarten in the fall are invited to attend orientation meetings at their designated school. The Encinal Kinder orientation is on Wed, February 6 from 6:30-8:00pm in the Large Multi. School tours are also available on either Thurs, February 7 (please note corrected date) or Fri, February 22 at 10:30am. Tours begin in the Library and last about an hour.
Questions: If you are not sure of the school in your attendance area or you have further questions, please contact the District Registrar at registrar@mpcsd.org or 650-321-7140, Ext. 5600.
Click here to see more info on the District website. |
Encinal Box Tops Collection
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
 Gather all those box tops from your holiday baking and bring them to the marked box in the front office. Our next collection deadline is Tuesday, February 26th. We appreciate everyone's participation.
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PTO Donation 2012 Tax Receipt
Thank you for your donations!
Click here to download a tax receipt for donations made to the Encinal PTO in 2012.
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Congratulations Mrs. Noon and Welcome Miss Beroske to Encinal Art
Mrs. Noon and her family welcome Claudia Elizabeth Noon. Clau dia was born January 11 at 5:17 pm. She weighed 7 lb 15oz and was 19 3/4" long. Ms. Noon posted a picture of Claudia to the Encinal Art Page.
Encinal School welcomes Miss Beroske, Mrs. Noon's long term substitute. Mrs. Noon is on maternity leave until May. Encinal artists couldn't be in better hands! Miss Beroske has hit the ground running with embroidery.
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Summer Camp Information is Here
All of the information that summer camps have sent us is assembled in one place and in a format that makes it easy to compare session dates, costs, location, and other details. We are providing this information as a convenience to help you with your summer planning. However, we have not evaluated this information or endorsed any of the camps, and the district is not responsible for any aspect of these camps.
Click here and check back often - new camps are being added every week!
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Important Info for 5th Grade Families
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5th Grade Families: We need your Baby Photos by Feb 8th
It's a tradition at Encinal School to have baby pictures of our 5th graders in the Encinal yearbook. If you are interested in having your child's baby picture appear in this year's Encinal yearbook, you have two ways to submit:
- You can drop your hard-copy picture into the envelope marked "Yearbook" in the Encinal Office. Please attach to the photo your name, your child's name, teacher's name, and classroom number. Photos will be returned to you later in the year so we must have your child's teacher indicated.
- You can submit your picture digitally by following these instructions:
- Go to: http://www.replayit.com
- Create an account in order to upload.
- Once you have an account, click "Add Photos"/Upload and then select the photo from your computer that you wish to upload
- Enter information about the photo such as student name, grade 5 and under "Tags" or "Caption", please enter your teacher's name.
- Finally, click on "Share with School"; it may take a few minutes until it is in our database. You can view what you have uploaded by clicking on your name at the top of the page.
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5th Graders: Order your Class of 2013 Sweatshirt Today!
Now is the time to order your special Class of 2013 5th Grade Sweatshirt! Please click here to place your order for the "Lucky 13 Zip Hoodie for 5th Graders" through our Encinal Spirit Wear online store. All orders will be collected and placed with our vendor in time for you to wear your sweatshirt at Outdoor Ed!
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Outdoor Ed Parent Info Night for 5th Grade Parents
Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 6pm, Encinal Library
 All 5th grade parents are invited to attend an information session about Outdoor Education on Wednesday, February 13th at 6:00 pm in the Encinal School library. Mark Nolan, San Mateo County Outdoor Education Director, will provide a presentation, slide show and Q&A session. The presentation will run 45 min to 1 hour.
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Hillview PTO Volunteer Opportunities for 2013-14
 The Hillview PTO is looking for volunteers to serve on the Executive Board for the 2013-2014 school year. The Board works with the school staff and parents to create and support vital school programs and events. Become a part of the Hillview community and get involved. Nominate yourself or someone you know to serve as Co-Vice Presidents, Vice-Treasurer, Auditor, Financial Secretary, Communications Chair, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary or Volunteer Coordinator (a new position!). Nominations will be received until Fri, February 8th.
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Thank You To Our Pet Show Volunteers
Thanks to all the students who brought their dogs, cats, and chickens to visit with seniors at Lytton Gardens last week. Encinal participants included: Sophia S., Sebastian S., Leila T., Conrad T., Bella S., Hali L., Meghan G., Vance O., Sara M., Hannah H., Jack M., Emma M., Gus M., Samantha C., Elissa W., Isabelle B.
A special thanks to our fearless team from the Big Hearts Leadership Advisory - Brandon K., Jasmine S., Vivian L., Sophia W., Sara M. - and to Eileen Lindgren and Nicole Scott, the group's staff and parent leaders.
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MPAEF News
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The MPAEF Participation Challenge is ON at Encinal!
Did you know that our MPAEF annual grant funds 10 to 12 % of the District's budget each year? That's why it's crucial we all do our part and meet the Participation Challenge, unlocking the $50,000 bonus for our schools! We're at 53% right now, with 488 families to go! Donate, pledge now and give later, or set up monthly installments at www.mpaef.org by February 28.
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MPAEF Benefit Auction - April 27th at Cabana Hotel
Donate your Amazing Destinations and Fabulous Parties
Destinations/Adventures/Getaways -- Give district families or couples the opportunity to take a break by spending time in a place you find special -- a condo by the beach, a cabin in the woods, a salt box by the ocean, all places welcome! Your generosity will benefit not only all our kids but a family looking for a fun getaway. Work personally with the winning bidder on a mutual time or set your own dates. Share your special family escape with a lucky bidder and you'll be making a significant donation to the district.
Parties and Events for Adults -- Parties bring out the kid in all of us! Organize a memorable bash or an intimate dinner featuring unique cuisine. Donate a sophisticated Parisian brunch, a healthy spa luncheon, afternoon tea at Downton Abbey, or spice it up with cocktails from the decades - Moscow Mules, Mad Men Martinis, perhaps plain old PBR on tap! Whatever your poison or passion, pass it on and pay it forward! Donate as a single family or make a party out of your bash by combining your donation with friends. Split the labor, split the cost, and maximize the profits for our schools!
The deadline for submitting auction items is March 1. We're also looking for families to host children's theme parties, sporting event tickets, and other unique experiences.
To Donate: Please contact Karen Dearing, MPAEF Auction Coordinator.
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Parent Ed Opportunities
For a complete listing of events,
visit the district's Parent Ed webpage.
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Sunday, March 3, 2013, 2:00-5:30pm, Hillview Middle School
The Menlo Park City School District strives to be at the forefront of innovation and leadership in education, and we know that we cannot do that simply in the staffroom and classroom. We need to involve our entire community, and there's so much to talk about with parents at this time of great change. Nationally, the Common Core State Standards are elevating learning goals and raising the cognitive demand for how our students will engage in learning. Locally, our core values are driving goals in writing, mathematics, technology, and social-emotional learning. Join us to learn more about these exciting developments and what they will mean for your kids!
2pm Check-in
2:30pm-5pm Conference
Note: There will be a concurrent children's program
Parents have an opportunity to select from a menu of workshops and attend two of the following sessions in addition to the keynote address:
- Mathematics and the Common Core: What's Ahead and How You Can Support Your Child
- Writing and the Common Core: Supporting Students as Capable, Confident Writers
- Design Thinking and Innovation: Problem Solving to Build Powerful Thinking Skills
- Technology in the Classroom: Engaging and Empowering Students in the Learning Process
- Project Cornerstone: Building Developmental Assets to Keep Our Kids Strong
- Creativity and Innovation in MPCSD: A Roundtable Discussion with Maurice Ghysels, Superintendent and Allison Liner, Chief Learning Officer
For more information on the workshops being offered, and free childcare, click here.
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Family Community Service Opportunities
For complete listings click here |
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"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
An easy way for your family or a group of families to help create a home-away-from home for families of children with life-threatening illnesses. Click here for more details on this and other "off-site" opportunities to support the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, or contact Monica Makela.
Questions? Know other service opportunities? Contact Kari Riedel
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Local Community News & Events
For complete listings click here
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U-Me's Love Party, February 14, 3 to 5 p.m. at U-Me, 3355 Edison Way, Menlo Park. Art, music, and games for ages 2-7. $20 + $10/ additional sibling (free for members). For more information, click here.
Sports, Classes, and Other Opportunities
Newton Center's No School Day Camp, Friday, February 15, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1100 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park. With no school, join us at Newton Center for the day, for arts and crafts and all sorts of games to play. Space is limited. Grades: K-5. For registration and more information, please contact us at camps@newtoncenters.org.
Little League Umpires Wanted,
Alpine West Menlo Little League is hiring student umpires for the upcoming baseball season, minimum age: 12. Experienced baseball players preferred. Season runs March - June. If interested, please email Anna Plume
Sundays, March 17 and 24 (2 sessions), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto. An introduction to digital integrated circuit operation. Students assemble and solder a human reaction timer built from discrete digital logic devices. Ages 10 and up. Basic electrical knowledge of voltage, current, and circuits is suggested. Fee: $70 members/$80 non-members. Register here.
Saturdays, April 13, 20, 27, and May 11 (4 sessions), 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto. In this class, students learn about the basic physics of radio wave generation, propagation, and reception. As a class project, students make their own short wave radio receiver. Ages 10 and up. Fee: $75 members/$85 non-members. Register here.
Friday, February 15, February 18-22, March 25-29, and April 1-5 at Burgess Pool. Professional swim instruction in a fun-filled camp format for all levels, ages 5-10. Register today at Camp Menlo.
Alpine Strikers FC offers three fun programs for your youngest soccer players in the family. Visit Alpine Strikers to learn more!
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Encinal PTO Communications
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This email and the Encinal School web site are delivered to you by the Encinal PTO Communications committee. For more information about Encinal School, please visit www.encinalschool.com. Just checking to see if anyone reads all the way down here. If so, click here.
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Join the PTO Mailing List - Text "SUBSCRIBE" to 42828
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